How About Metal?

For years we have been saying that metal roofing is the most reliable roofing system available.
Metal is not just something we sell, it is something we believe in 100%. Now, we can claim one thing time and time again, however it takes on a different tone when it is actually put to the test.

Metal Roofing pass the test?

Truth of the matter is there are many tests performed on metal roofing systems in order to get them approved. We know they are strong, but just how strong? You can now judge for yourself. Through an unfortunate disaster, nature has put metal roofing through the ultimate test, and we can firmly say: “it passed”. Irma, the last hurricane to strike South Florida, left a trail of devastation behind. The Florida Keys experienced the furry of a storm that destroyed many properties people had worked years to buy and maintain. But among all the talk of destruction and loss, we do hear some expressions of relief from many residents whose homes had metal roofs installed.

Metal roofs out performed other popular roofing systems. “Metal roofs are the bomb,” said Monroe County Assistant Administrator Christine Hurley…Barrel tiles are the next strongest type of roof and shingles are last.” This is according to WLRN’s The Sunshine Economy, by Tom Hudson, on September 25, 2017.

A new year usually means new goals and resolutions. If you are planning on getting a new roof in 2018, make sure you consider the best option for you and your family. If you have a residential or commercial property, you work hard for it, and you surely want the best. Call Metal Master Shop today for a quote. We also have a dedicated exporting team ready to help you with any export orders. CALL METAL MASTER SHOP NOW 3O5.261.9290.

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It’s Not Too Late to Expand Your Business in 2017!

Thinking Business Expansion? Now’s the time! According to a Small Business Economic Trends Report recently issued by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the significant surge in small business optimism that began in November of last year was still going strong in March of this year. Small business owners are remaining enthusiastic about the future of the economy and the direction of consumer confidence. They are encouraged by signs that this optimism is translating into economic activity such as capital investment and job creation.

2017 is turning out to be a good year for business owners, specifically contractors. According to a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America, over 70 percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls this year. This is due to the fact that contractors expect private and public sector demand to increase in all market segments.

NFIB’s Small Business Survey also reports that small business optimism has soared to its highest level since 2004.

What does this mean for you and your business?

It means that now is a great time to consider expanding your business in preparation for this economic upswing.  Stay competitive by brainstorming the different ways you can expand!

Following are some tips:

Stay Informed: Consider attending industry specific trade shows/expos to stay current on innovation and trends. Subscribe and read key industry publications. Network through National Roofing Contractors Association, the local chamber of commerce, or other similar associations. This will give you ideas and build relationships.

Crew:  One of the major problems impacting the industry is finding skilled workers. Invest in hiring and training more employees in preparation for larger and more frequent projects throughout the year. You don’t want to lose a project because you didn’t have the required manpower or skill set.

Tools/Equipment:  Replace anything old and outdated with up-to-date quality equipment so you can stay on top of best practices and allow your business to run more smoothly. You wouldn’t want your equipment to break down onsite, or delay a job because you don’t have the most efficient tools.

Update Your Online Presence:  How does your website look? The company website and marketing is too often last on the list of priorities.  If it looks outdated or is hard to navigate, think about outsourcing to a professional website designer to give your business a modern and professional look. A cohesive brand identity is key to a successful online presence. Many times your site is the first impression customers will see, so invest in it to make it stand out.

Don’t Let Lack of Funds Hold You Back:  Many of our clients in the construction industry expressed that having extra cash allowed them to cover upfront costs and take on extra jobs. Being able to cover payroll and start projects when there is no down payment, or there is an unexpected payment delay, can help you benefit from profitable opportunities.

Set yourself up for success! Now is the time and we are always here to help!

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Unfortunately, customer complaints continue to be an area of interest and concern. And in today’s online world, complaints have become even more of a problem as disgruntled customers often post negative comments on social media.

No one likes dissatisfied customers, and most of us take pride in our work in an effort to please our customers. However, it is impossible to please everyone. Hopefully these tips can help you better understand and tackle the problem.

Here are 9 Tips for Handling Unhappy Roofing Customer Complaints!

Tip #1:

Not all customers are good customers. Some are just unhappy in life and no one can please them. It’s fine to fire a customer and agree to disagree.

Tip #2:

No matter how hard we try, things are not as easy to communicate as we hope, and sometimes miscommunication happens. Identify these areas and utilize photos, spec sheets and examples to make sure they are clearly defined.

Tip #3:

Service is about competence, not just being nice. Smile and be pleasant but follow the customer’s lead. Of course always be polite and efficient, but not too talkative or intrusive unless the customer encourages you.

Tip #4:

Train your employees what to do so they won’t try to figure it out as they go along. Make sure your field employees understand it is not their job to solve all customer problems but it is their job to be polite, listen and have the appropriate person contact the customer.

Tip #5:

Complaints are like balloons – when they are full of hot air, balloons and customers are both hard to manage. Once you let out the air, it becomes a lot easier. Listen and let the customer talk. Most reasonable people get upset because they don’t feel heard.

Tip #6:

Writing things down shows the customer you are listening. If you smile or frown, both can be taken the wrong way. If you write things down, people will also be more careful as to what they say.

Tip #7:

Deal with feelings first and facts later. Too often we try to be logical with upset people and we find ourselves going nowhere. Agreeing with their feelings does not mean you are agreeing with their version of the facts. Saying, “I can appreciate how you might feel that way, but …” can be a positive approach to the conversation.

Tip #8:

No matter how hard it is, keep your cool. In most situations, the least emotional person wins. No matter how much you are attached, try not to take it personally.

Tip #9:

The more work you do and the bigger your company gets, the more complaints you will have. It is just math, so don’t be too concerned about it.

The bottom line is that you can’t let a few complaints override the pleasant experience of doing good work and developing a satisfied customer base.

Take pride in what you do and don’t let those few exceptions spoil your attitude or those of your employees.

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Being the top metal roof provider in Miami means being a one-stop shop for the area’s contractors. We’re able to provide the products and services a builder in south Florida needs, because we, in turn, can rely on top-notch suppliers to get us the quality product and tools needed to get the job done.

When the experts at Metal Master Shop talk roofing, the conversation inevitably turns to Petersen Aluminum. They’ve spent more than 50-years in the metal roofing market making innovations, developing new products, and being focused on the future of the industry.

Why Do We Love Petersen Aluminum?

They make us look good. When our customers have a deadline, we know we have what they need, when they need it, so they stay on schedule. Need a specific color or a unique tool to make a project work? Miami’s metal roofers come to us because they know we can help them out, hook them up, and have them back on the job site in record time.

We’re able to do this because great suppliers like Petersen are so reliable and consistent. Their reliability not only makes us look good, but allows us to focus on our customers in a personal way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible if we had to be worried about where our next shipment was going to come from.

Petersen Aluminum has done well for more than 50 years now, by paying attention to detail and responding to consumer needs. They have shown their commitment to their products through their own quality control program, always striving for higher standards.

“As a result of this ongoing program, the product that goes out the door is as good or better than anything available in the commercial market, and field issues with our product have become practically nonexistent,” Mike Petersen (CEO) says.

Their focus on the future provides a steady stream of relevant, new products with reliable warranties (warranties are useless if the manufacturer is no longer around). Their strong national sales base and regional production facilities means a good cost economy and a large inventory that can reach us (and you) quickly.  

It’s a Team Effort

At Metal Master Shop, we only work with suppliers who care about metal roofing as much as we do. Our primary concern is that our Miami roofers be able to come in with any type of project needs, requests, or custom orders and we can say, “no problem.”

Petersen Aluminum Corporation has come a long way from their humble beginnings. They’ve been an incredible help to our shop due to their quality and dependability, and together, we’ve been able to help contractors in the Miami-Dade area with projects that we can all be proud of.
~J.C.

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Artists have to get their inspiration from somewhere, even when they work with metal roofing. For the world-famous architect, Frank Gehry, that original inspiration came from the Inland Steel Building in Chicago. It’s a big commercial high-rise building, built in the 50’s, and when Frank looked at it from just the right angle, he saw a fair amount of oil canning in the steel building.

Oil canning is what we call the waviness you see in sheet materials when they deform for various reasons. If you aren’t familiar with the term, it’s because most roofers avoid talking about it.

Often times, oil canning is seen as a cosmetic flaw, but Frank Gehry saw it as added character to each architectural building.

Maybe that’s why Frank has designed some of the most incredible metal buildings in the world, deliberately using the technique in his design.

Where the Building Meets the Eye

Image from https://travelforaircraft.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/blog-b-52_mg_8777.jpg

Oil canning will appear on anything produced from sheet metal, such as the B-52 aircraft pictured above.

The elastic buckling of oil canning can and will occur in any type of metal panel, be it aluminum or steel. Usually, metal roofing and wall panels look flat, but if you catch them in the light, just right, you might see some of that waving and wrinkling.

The canning is usually more pronounced in a bigger and/or flatter panel. The deformation is caused by stress within the metal, causing the panel to buckle ever so slightly, which is why you usually have to catch it in the right light in order to see it.

That’s metal.

During production

First, stresses are introduced during production. All metal roofing panels begin in the form of a coil, essentially as a giant roll of sheet metal. If the coil is longer in the middle or on the edges, or picks up a side edge that isn’t perfectly straight, this can cause stresses in the sheets that will eventually be visible on the roof.

The stresses are more pronounced when you get a wider or thinner sheet. But even our narrower coils usually come from a single wider coil, redistributing these forces among the child coils. When the metal sheets are formed into roofing panels, the work often results in added stresses or tiny bending on the edges of the sheet. As these processes are inherent to the manufacturing of metal roofing, the best that can be done it to minimize it with proper tooling.

Who you are underneath

No matter how perfect your surface layer is, if the support structure or sub-roofing isn’t perfectly flat, these imperfections can be translated onto the surface metal. This also translates to the entire building. Most will understand the idea of a house “settling” after being built, and that means that the tiny shifts in the structure are now stressing the roofing in a new way, causing the metal panels to conform to the new movement.

Installation

As skilled roofers and metal suppliers in Miami, we understand how materials can change during construction; materials expand and/or contract due to heat and load changes.

In fact, we plan on thermal expansion in our designs by flexing the rib and seam areas of the joints; allowing the metal room to expand.

Some oil canning results in lines along the fasteners, and this is due to the over tightening of said fasteners. It’s no different than when your drain plug for the oil pan on your vehicle is over tightened– when it gets hot again the metals expand, slightly, damaging the oil pan.

In the Eye of the Beholder

Image from Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

The Walt Disney Concert Hall (designed by Frank Gehry) has visible oil canning.

Some degree of oil canning is to be expected, as it is inherent to the production process of sheet metal, and there are certain elements that cause it that are beyond human control, such as thermal expansion, or movement in the primary structure.

If oil canning is a characteristic you don’t find endearing, especially to your roof, hiring a professional who knows how to properly handle the materials and installation, can significantly reduce oil canning effects.

Good engineering and design can mean the proper gauge is selected for your roof, the use of ribs, backer rods, and even the particular finish can all help to mask possible canning of a metal roof.

Oil canning is simply a part of metal roofing, but often times it’s something your builder won’t bring up.

Because we can’t change the physics of metal, be weary of those “professionals” who tell you they can prevent or cure metal canning 100%. They’re simply selling something that doesn’t exist.

Since oil canning is complex physics at work, it means flexible metal roofing panels are absorbing stressful forces that would otherwise give way to the underlying structures.

Besides, as Frank Gehry learned, oil canning can transform a plain, otherwise boring, metal surface into one that is full of beauty and character.

~J.C.

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As a metal supply company in Miami, we work with roofers every day. We know many of your favorite jobs come from luxury homeowners. Just like everyone else, affluent customers are interested in increasing their home’s value and getting a positive return on investment– especially on their roof.

They don’t just want a new roof. They want top-of-the-line upgrades. They’re not expert roofers, though, so that’s where you come in.

As a roofer, you can become more profitable and keep your customers happy by making good roofing suggestions that provide aesthetic upgrades, an increased quality of life, and a positive ROI for their homes.

There’s much more to luxury roofing upgrades than materials, however. Quality roofing materials and proper installation are your bread and butter, but sometimes homeowners want you to dig a little deeper.

Here are a few suggestions.

Copper Accents

Among the most successful roofers we work with, copper accents are a popular upgrade choice. Their customers like the sophisticated look of copper, but they also appreciate its practicality and functional value.

Affluent homeowners are drawn to copper rain gutter accents, downspouts, rain chains, roof accents, weathervanes, and chimney tops.

As they often do, This Old House says it best:

“The well-known green patina that copper develops actually protects it from corrosion, making it a good choice for roofs, gutters, and anywhere a material is exposed to the elements. And it’s virtually maintenance free, making it perfect for cupolas, weathervanes, and other hard-to-reach locations.”

If you install copper accents properly, they can last a lifetime– a hundred years, easily. It’s especially popular for older homeowners because it requires almost no upkeep or maintenance.

Really, any luxury homeowner will appreciate a good investment that doesn’t require additional time to maintain. Once you install copper accents, they keep looking good all on their own.

Metal Roofing

When you think of luxury roofing, you probably think of two materials: tile and metal. Tile is a popular choice in the Miami area, but metal is ideal for a number of reasons. It’s environmentally friendly, it’s perfect for South Florida’s climate, and requires minimal maintenance. It also weighs less than tile, meaning more homes are ready for metal roofing installation without extra structural work.

Tile color can easily fade over time, as well. It is a popular choice, and you will encounter luxury homeowners who are dead set on tile, which is their prerogative. Tile is decidedly less eco-friendly than metal, which matters more and more to today’s luxury homeowners.

Metal roofing is a real upgrade, though, because of its longevity and durability. It’s perfect for our climate, and upkeep is minimal. It can also easily save the homeowner money on heating and cooling costs, and can be made from recycled material– and recycled when it’s uninstalled.

Most importantly, metal roofing increases a home’s value. Especially in the South Florida luxury home market, it will provide positive ROI for homeowners. And those homeowners provide your most profitable jobs.

Solar Panels, Etc.

While we’re on the subject of profitable jobs and eco-friendliness, we need to discuss solar panels. For Florida luxury homeowners, solar isn’t a hard sell like it is in less sunny states. But your favorite customers didn’t become affluent by wasting money– they still want to know about the ROI.

As of this year, one in 100 houses has solar panels installed. According to Time, that’s more than 46 times the amount of solar homes had a decade ago. Most solar setups will save homeowners between $100-200 per month, which is likely most of their electric bill.

So, what’s the ROI? Most homeowners should recoup their investment in under 10 years, and it might be closer to five years with larger, luxury homes in South Florida.

If you’re working with a homeowner who’s interested in solar, you can direct them to this solar ROI calculator.

It’s worth noting that a major solar tax credit, worth 30% of installation cost, is set to expire this year. You can create a sense of urgency if someone is on the fence about solar.

One more suggestion: A properly-installed attic fan, coupled with smart insulation, can also help reduce energy costs and prevent weather damage and mold. We like this guide from Energy Star, and it’s a good resource for interested homeowners.

Chances are, luxury homeowners are your favorite customers. As a metal supply company in Miami, we want you to make the most of working with these homeowners so you can increase your profitability.

Just like every homeowner, they’re looking for a positive return on investment on their home. As a roofer, you can make these simple suggestions that will result in a better job for you and a more valuable home for them. It’s a win/win scenario.

~J.C.

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Think you can’t get galvalume roofing panels in the Dominican Republic? Think again.

Metal Master Shop is proud to offer affordable export services for our friends in the Mexican, the Caribbean, and Latin American regions. We aren’t afraid of a little bit of water; we can help you provide your residents with the best roofing available without breaking your budget.

Our shop can ship out our beautiful metal roof panels in copper, aluminum, galvalume, and even rheinzink. Better yet, we send you everything you need for a professional installation (except for the roofer, because that’s you, but our expert support team can help you with technical details if needed.)

It’s like if IKEA started making Bentley’s, and your customer’s dream car arrived nearly ready, just needing your expertise to put those last few bolts in. Your roofing materials will come complete with clips, screws, and even the underlayment.

It’s Easy to get Started

It’s a short, 3-step process to quickly and easily have top-rated roofing materials shipped directly to you. We’ve been there, and we’ve done our share of building throughout the Gulf and the Caribbean, so you know Metal Master Shop knows what you need. We know the process, the markets, and the materials.

The simplest way to get going is to call us at (305) 712-6432. Not only will you have access to an experienced roofing team, but technical support, as well. Our architectural support team is on standby to help you with drawings, take-off, and precision measuring to help you get exactly what you need, right when you need it.

You can use your newfound time to work on another project, read a book, or catch up on Lo imperdonable. Don’t get too comfortable, though, for it won’t be long before we get back to you with a quote for materials and shipping. Then it’s time to get to work!

Your order is shipped promptly, once payment is received. Your materials are carefully inspected during this process, to ensure Metal Master quality and order accuracy. Our team cares about our metal, so we pack your exported order safely enough that Poseidon himself couldn’t damage it.

Bermuda to Bahama, Come on Pretty Mama

“But J.C., I live in the Netherlands. Can you ship there?” Don’t be silly; you can bet your hot bitterballen balls we can. In fact, we can ship just about anywhere.

In today’s interconnected world, don’t let little things like distance or lines on a map keep you from getting the materials you need to do the job right.

~J.C.

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I love companies that come up with simple and elegant solutions. In the roofing industry, one of the biggest decisions our client’s customers make is what material to use for their roof. This question has had all the same fundamentals of debate since the roof was invented.

How permeable is it? Is it energy efficient, or does it insulate well? Is the material strong but heavy, or light but weak? Even more importantly, what does it look like, and how much will cost? These are all important questions.

When it comes to modern roofing, there have been some clear divides. Structurally speaking, metal is the way to go. It can be strong AND relatively light, energy efficient, and has unparalleled durability. But…it might not have the look homeowners are going for, and aesthetics are an important part of design. That was only a problem until Gerard USA came along.

Great-Looking Roof

As far as aesthetics go, tile roofing is a very popular choice. It can come in a variety of styles and colors, and give a definitive, qualitative look to a building. Tiles can be heavy, too, they can break (roofers have to be careful, and wind can blow them off) and they can be expensive. This is where Gerard comes to the rescue with a simple and elegant solution: tiles made from steel.

Gerard carefully crafts their metal tiles to have the look, dimension, and even weathering of traditional tiles, but with the strength, lightness, and security of steel. Their steel tiles are coated with stone, giving the appearance and texture of other products, with the toughness of body armor. Yes Gerard…You have my complete attention.

We all know how much Metal Master Shop loves steel. As a material, there are very few things that can beat it. It is strong, yet light. It has elemental protection against fire, wind, and hail, and it’s durable and energy efficient.

Peace of Mind

In South Florida, roofs tend to not last as long as they should. Between climate and the occasional hurricane, traditional roofing materials can take quite a beating. Why not go with a Gerard Steel Stone-coated roof? It will last longer than you will, and there are no rot, fungus, or mildew problems to be had. Consider this testimonial from a real customer:

Dennis had his Gerard stone-coated metal roof installed eight years ago on his home in the Laguna Keys development in Gulf Shore. Since then, his home has withstood three hurricanes: Dennis, Ivan (whose winds reached speeds of 134 mph) and now Katrina. Forced to evacuate his home, not knowing what, if anything, he would be returning to, Ellis was relieved to find his home still standing and in good condition. “I did a lot better than most of my neighbors and I credit the Gerard Roof for that. Most houses in the neighborhood suffered severe damage to both their interiors and exteriors. There were some other homes with Gerard Roofs in the area, and to my knowledge, they held up well.” According to Ron Anderson of Gerard Roofing Technologies, “Gerard has received several calls from Katrina victims whose homes are still standing thanks to their roofs.” Ellis initially chose his roof for its “looks and safety,” not fully realizing the extent to which he would benefit.

Dennis Ellis, Gulf Shore, AL

Gerard USA has turned out a fantastic product that any roofer (and customer) can be proud of.

~J.C.

The post Product Spotlight – Gerard USA appeared first on Metal Master Shop.

Our command of metal has changed our lives and the world around us. This change has come in such a degree that we often define the ages of progression through that mastery. The Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and even the Steel Age.

The Steel Age began when Andrew Carnegie dared to span the Mississippi River with his new steel alloy, at a time when bridges had a 25% failure rate. Many were unsure of its viability and a common myth was that an elephant would not cross an unstable bridge. Carnegie, knowing that he was taking a risk, brought a great crowd to witness a circus elephant make the maiden voyage across his bridge in St. Louis, sparking a great boom in building. Steel was now king.

Prior to this point, few buildings ever reached great heights. Materials simply weren’t strong enough or were too heavy and inflexible. The strength and light-weight of steel spawned skyscrapers, steel shipping, metal roofing, and elevators.

Going Beyond the Obvious

As our mastery of the elements has become greater, the range of materials have increased to better applications of not only steel and iron, but copper, aluminum, and galvalume. We can make it lighter, stronger, and with a better appearance than ever before. With such flexibility now possible, we can apply various metals to our homes in more practical and cosmetically pleasing ways than ever before.

The evolution of metal roofing is an obvious choice for its efficacy, affordability, and durability. Right now, metals are big in home design and decorating; which has been on a steady incline for decades.

We can use metal in other places for the same reason that it is mainstream on the roof: better durability than any other building material, yet it can be engineered for strength and beauty into nearly any design, color, texture, or shape.

Subtle, burnished metal designs are in vogue, whether it is replacing interior walls for warmth and sheen, adding rich light to a room through flooring accents, or in sinuous forms throughout the house. Metal inlays create beautiful accents, particularly when mixed with other materials, such as wood or tile.

Metal allows us to create shapes and designs that wouldn’t be possible with other materials, whether it’s for an intricate accent indoors or something more simple such as a fence. We often use metal in places where brick have traditionally been used, for projects such as custom chimney tops, for example.

Metal is the Material of Choice for This Millennium

Make your next project shine with your creative use of metal materials. This simple change can update a home from run-of-the-mill to being the modern marvel of Miami.

No longer being confined to just the roof, metal is moving its way around the home, too, inside and out. Even simple, plain-Jane corrugated sheet metal can transform a room into a piece of art. The unlit fireplace can now brighten a room, and drab wall paper or paint can be replaced with metal laminate wall coverings that are rich and warm.

If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas on how to utilize metal with your next home makeover, contact the experts at Metal Master Shop. We’ll help take your vision and make it a reality!

~J.C.

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“More times than not, when I receive a call for estimates, it will be a referral from a contractor that does not install metal roofing,” says Shirley Delgado.

Shirley is the construction coordinator for Olen Waldrep & Sons Roofing, Inc in Hollywood, FL. When it comes to the market for metal roofing, Florida is a big one. She says metal roofing has increased sales for Olen Waldrep & Sons and it’s bringing in jobs for her business.

“[Other contractors] are therefore losing the opportunity to bid that roof, since they do not install metal. It is the newer product on the market, although it has been around forever, it was not thought of as a design for residential homes,” Shirley says.

If she’s gaining jobs because other contractors don’t install metal roofing, that means someone is losing jobs.

Is it you?

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

All those referrals people like Shirley are getting are coming from somewhere– and they might be coming at your expense.

Even in areas like Miami where metal roofing is popular, some roofing contractors just don’t provide metal roofing solutions to homeowners. When you live close to the ocean and feel the impact of yearly hurricanes, metal roofing is a practical and functional choice.

More homeowners are latching onto the idea that metal roofing can look elegant and charming, too. It fits into the aesthetic feel they want from their homes, and it provides protection against the salty air and the elements.

Metal roofing is also sustainable and environmentally friendly, which is a trend more homeowners are latching onto. They’re concerned for the environment, and they appreciate the lower energy costs associated with metal roofing.

There are other reasons metal roofing is seeing an uptick in popularity, as well.

From James Bush, vice president of sales and marketing, ATAS International Inc:

“As far as residential metal roofing is concerned, metal shingles and tiles have become prevalent in the industry in addition to traditional standing seams… Re-roofing offers the greatest opportunities for contractors. Asphalt shingle products were predominantly used on homes built in the late 90s and early 2000s. These products are now nearing the end of a useful life. During the remodeling process, homeowners often consider upgrades in product selection. Astute contractors should offer metal roofing as an option to homeowners during the consultation phase of a re-roofing project.”

This report confirms the growth of residential metal roofing, as well.

Homeowners are buying in, despite higher initial installation costs. They see the benefits. Why don’t you?

Why You’re not Offering Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is hugely popular and growing in Florida, so it seems like a given that every area contractor should install metal roofing. It frustrates homeowners when they take the time to research a contractor, or get a word of mouth recommendation from a friend, only to find out that contractor doesn’t provide the product or service they want for their home.

We’ve found contractors don’t provide metal roofing because of three main reasons.

Do you fall into any of these categories?

• You just don’t carry the materials – You’re already trained in asphalt or other roofing installation, so you just don’t worry about carrying the materials. You might even know how to install metal roofing, you just haven’t given it much thought. Your business is doing fine, so what does losing a few jobs here and there to metal roofers matter? The trouble is, you’re probably losing more jobs than you think.

• You don’t know how to install it – You know roofing requires intense training and education. You already went through training, and possibly even attended continuing education events for other roofing styles. You might be intimidated by learning a whole new world of installation techniques, or you might not think there’s time to learn. We see it often.

• The recession scared you off – Metal roofing did experience a slight dip during the recession. It costs more upfront for materials than other roofing styles, so many cash-strapped homeowners were avoiding it. Many of those homeowners were avoiding re-roofing projects altogether, though. Now that they’re ready for a new roof because their old roof is falling apart, they’re more likely to choose metal– especially in the Miami area.

Whatever your reason may be, if you’re not providing metal as an option to Florida homeowners, you’re losing real jobs. Each time you give a referral to someone like Shirley Delgado, you’re losing business. She’s grateful for your referral, and her company does great work, so they deserve the business. The homeowner won’t be disappointed with the service her business provides, either. You’ll have a grateful homeowner on your hands, too.

But don’t you wish that homeowner was grateful to you instead– because you installed their metal roof?

How to Earn those Jobs Back

If you’re not installing metal roofing for your customers, there’s good news to go along with all the bad news– it’s easily fixed!

If you’re willing to educate yourself in regards to metal roofing, there’s a world of opportunity out there. You have the opportunity to become more profitable, to satisfy homeowners, and to provide roofing that’s both environmentally friendly and stands the test of time.

If you’re still hesitant, just think of all the jobs you’re missing out on. As a contractor, having a steady flow of jobs is your lifeblood. Learning a new skill and providing a new service opens up a whole new world for your business, and you’ll never have to refer a homeowner who wants metal roofing services you can’t provide, ever again.

• Training – We regularly hold metal roofing conferences that feature hands-on training for roofers. Expert metal roofing installers show you and your team the latest installation techniques and explain the latest materials. You can read about a past conference here. We’ll have more information on our next conference soon, but you can expect it to happen in 2016.

• Sales – Our metal roofing eBook can help you learn the metal roofing sales process. You’ll learn why quality is more important to homeowners than the initial cost of metal roofing, and why it’s ideal for the Miami area.

For metal roofing, Florida is an ideal location for contractors. Homeowners want a durable, weather-resistant roof that looks great and stands the test of time. They’re also interested in its sustainability and environmental benefits. As their old roofs decay, they’re looking at metal roofing more and more.

Metal roofing is still growing. If you’re not installing metal roofing, you’re missing out on jobs. Other metal roofers are grateful for your referrals, but isn’t it time you earned those jobs back?

~J.C.

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